Is your defense starting to have nightmares yet about how they're going to stop Jeremiah Masoli, LaMichael James, and LaGarrette Blount? If not, they should.

Hardly. Our D held USC without a touchdown for 99% of the game; the first one was a fluke (4 downs to get 7 yards), and the last one - well, the O had let us down in that (and most other) game. Even you guys couldn't do that in your rout of the Trojans.

But then, when you score 47 against the Trojans, you really don't need to stop them on every drive. The other thing to remember is that you still lost to the Trojans, despite this defensive effort you brag about.

You have to admit that it's pretty bad for the Big 10 when your conference champions lose to a team that finished 5-4 in the Pac 10.

Just so you know, Crow is usually offered in aisle 9, next to the cream corn.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Give credit to the Buckeye defense for keeping up with Oregon's frenetic offensive pace and neutralizing the Ducks' speed. I also have to admit that the Pac-10 as a whole looked rather weak in bowl games this year. 2-5 with the average score of the five losses being 18-34. One team lost 0-33, and another 20-44. Only the two LA teams managed to do anything good.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Give credit to the Buckeye defense for keeping up with Oregon's frenetic offensive pace and neutralizing the Ducks' speed. I also have to admit that the Pac-10 as a whole looked rather weak in bowl games this year. 2-5 with the average score of the five losses being 18-34. One team lost 0-33, and another 20-44. Only the two LA teams managed to do anything good.

My usual argument is this, and it is borne out by experience: our D usually steps up to the challenge when the O doesn't stink. When the O is uncreative (the National Championship against Florida when they could practically predict each play after the 1st quarter, for example), then the D is on the field too long and is no better than a sieve.

Logged

"There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there always has been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that “my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge."" Isaac Asimov

"There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there always has been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that “my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge."" Isaac Asimov

The Baltimore Ravens and Oakland Raiders have each amassed 193 Penalties through 15 games for an average of nearly 13 a game.

I hope the Refs brought extra flags....

Yikes. Fields of yellow await.

Logged

"There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there always has been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that “my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge."" Isaac Asimov

No wonder Texas dominated the "Micro 12 Conference" when teams like Oklahoma St. turn the ball over on the final 5 possessions like they did against Ole Miss.

I like Alabama and Texas; however, Alabama ought to score 30 without breaking a sweat and win decisively.

I hope you're right, but I think it's gonna be closer than some people think. Texas showed that they can win against a great defense, as they did against Nebraska. But I think we have a much better offense that Nebraska, and our defense is second to none. I'm a bit concerned about that big fullback they have. But then again, we have Mt. Cody. As long as we play Bama football for 4 quarters, we should come out with the W.ROLL TIDE!

Selam

« Last Edit: January 02, 2010, 08:41:54 PM by Gebre Menfes Kidus »

Logged

"God is a consuming fire. And His fire is love."+ Gebre Menfes Kidus +

The Baltimore Ravens and Oakland Raiders have each amassed 193 Penalties through 15 games for an average of nearly 13 a game.

I hope the Refs brought extra flags....

Yikes. Fields of yellow await.

You happen to get a good angle on that flag the Rose Bowl ref threw about 40 yards? The farthest one of the TV broadcasters had ever seen a ref throw his flag.

Must have been during our prayer or the beginning of our meal. I had to miss a good portion of the 2nd quarter, and part of the 1st.

Logged

"There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there always has been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that “my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge."" Isaac Asimov

I'm glad I don't have to listen to another offseason of the overly-arrogant Stillers fans. Good riddance.

Logged

"There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there always has been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that “my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge."" Isaac Asimov

Redskins fans, especially those on the Julian Calendar, your Christmas present has arrived in Mike Shanahan.

Mike Shanahan is coming to town. Don't fault his 8-8 record in his final season in Denver; his successor also went 8-8 and lost 8 of the last 10 in the process in a pattern eerily resembling that of Jim Zorn.

I see you're from central Maryland (I live on the other side of the border in Fairfax, Va.). If you have a favorite professional team, which team is it? If you are a Ravens' fan, where you a Colts' fan before they left town in the middle of the night? Caught a bit of sportscenter this morning, it seems Shanahan is signed to a five year deal where he and Allen will make all football decisions (with Shanahan having the final word). Seems that Snyder alienated enough fans to get him to finally change his ways (who knows, perhaps Snyder will eventually become a "hero" or sorts in D.C. if he can finally get the Skins' back to the winning ways of the 80s and early 90s). Now, if Snyder can only get a new stadium built in D.C., all will be perfect lol. I've been to both FedEx and RFK (though the latter for Navy's bowl game last year; not for a Skins' game) but while waiting for the bowl game to begin there was a historical reel playing on the big screen informing the viewer of the history of RFK. I don't know, there was something almost "sacred" about RFK that I never felt in FedEx...dare I say almost a "Lambeau" mystique. The Skins' should be playing in the heart of D.C., not so deep into the state of Maryland. And I can't believe i'm saying this, but I hope the Cowboys win this weekend. No team I despise more than those darn Eagles.

I see you're from central Maryland (I live on the other side of the border in Fairfax, Va.). If you have a favorite professional team, which team is it? If you are a Ravens' fan, where you a Colts' fan before they left town in the middle of the night? Caught a bit of sportscenter this morning, it seems Shanahan is signed to a five year deal where he and Allen will make all football decisions (with Shanahan having the final word). Seems that Snyder alienated enough fans to get him to finally change his ways (who knows, perhaps Snyder will eventually become a "hero" or sorts in D.C. if he can finally get the Skins' back to the winning ways of the 80s and early 90s). Now, if Snyder can only get a new stadium built in D.C., all will be perfect lol. I've been to both FedEx and RFK (though the latter for Navy's bowl game last year; not for a Skins' game) but while waiting for the bowl game to begin there was a historical reel playing on the big screen informing the viewer of the history of RFK. I don't know, there was something almost "sacred" about RFK that I never felt in FedEx...dare I say almost a "Lambeau" mystique. The Skins' should be playing in the heart of D.C., not so deep into the state of Maryland. And I can't believe i'm saying this, but I hope the Cowboys win this weekend. No team I despise more than those darn Eagles.

Building FedEx was a logistical mistake although the late Jack Kent Cooke deserves some credit for promoting regionalism. The Redskins are based in Loudoun County, VA and play games in Prince George's County, MD at opposite ends of what will eventually be the Silver/Blue Metro line. Some kind of light rail shuttle needs to be built between FedEx and the Largo Metro Station even if such a thing was used only 20 times a year.

I grew up with the Redskins after the Colts, who I never liked, left town. I have a fondness towards the Redskins which I don't have with the Ravens although the Ravens have had good players like Heap, Mason, the late Steve McNair, et al.

Another Cub just elected to Cooperstown. Andre Dawson, who played right field for the Cubs from 1987 to 1992. One of only a few players to be honored as league MVP after playing a season for a last place team (1987). Outfielder with home run power (438), base stealing speed (314), Gold Glove fielding ( 8 ), and an arm to shut down any first-to-third-on-a-single baserunning game. (I think he once threw out Cardinal slugger Jack Clark at first base on what looked at first like a line-drive single to right. )

I recall also his reaction to getting hit in the face by a pitch from Padres pitcher Eric Show. As a Cub fan watching the game on TV, I held my breath as The Hawk lay face down on the ground for what seemed like forever. Then he got back to his feet and stared Show down before charging the mound. Talk about one of the most menacing glares you could ever imagine! Dawson was P****D!

I'm glad I don't have to listen to another offseason of the overly-arrogant Stillers fans. Good riddance.

You do realise, I hope, that the Steelers are just letting other teams have a chance this year? It would be no fun to win every year--which the Steelers are certainly capable of doing--so sometimes we let yuns guyz have a shot. It's sort of like a vacation. The NFL is all nit picky about the Steelers playing during the regular season, because let's be honest here, the ratings for games would be zero if not for the Steelers. It is well known that teams also need the Steelers fans to fill their stadiums, otherwise they would never have sell outs. Now, if you weren't aware, the Rooney's have a secret clause, in microscopic-sized font, in their agreement with the league, that they are allowed to take the playoffs off in the season following a Super Bowl win. It happened a few years ago, and it's happening this year as well. Rest assured, the Steelers will not lay down again next year, like they did this year to make bad teams like the Raiders feel good about themselves.

I recall also his reaction to getting hit in the face by a pitch from Padres pitcher Eric Show. As a Cub fan watching the game on TV, I held my breath as The Hawk lay face down on the ground for what seemed like forever. Then he got back to his feet and stared Show down before charging the mound. Talk about one of the most menacing glares you could ever imagine! Dawson was P****D!

A little bit of baseball trivia from this fracas: One inning later, a young Cub pitcher pitching only his second year in the Bigs was ejected for hitting Padres hitter Benito Santiago with an apparent retaliatory pitch. The pitcher's name: Greg Maddux.

Another Cub just elected to Cooperstown. Andre Dawson, who played right field for the Cubs from 1987 to 1992.

Hawk was drafted by Montreal and spent more time with the Expos than with any other team in the major leagues.

Yeah, I know that. I recognize that for that reason he will most likely be inducted into the Hall as a Montreal Expo. However, I'm a Cub fan. I don't care about the Expos (now the Washington Nationals).

I'm so happy and proud right now. It's been a long, long time, but we're finally back. And this was the greatest season in Alabama's storied history. SEC Champions. Heisman Trophy winner. 14-0. NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!

I congratulate Texas on fighting back and making it a ball game. They have a great team and they played with class. I really hate that Colt McCoy got hurt, but I think we still would have won.

It's a great day for the state of Alabama. It's another great day for the SEC. The "Process" is in place, and it will produce great things for years to come. For most people, college football is an interesting passtime; but for TIDE fans, it's a way of life.

Another Cub just elected to Cooperstown. Andre Dawson, who played right field for the Cubs from 1987 to 1992.

Hawk was drafted by Montreal and spent more time with the Expos than with any other team in the major leagues.

Yeah, I know that. I recognize that for that reason he will most likely be inducted into the Hall as a Montreal Expo. However, I'm a Cub fan. I don't care about the Expos (now the Washington Nationals).

I do care about the Expos, and I am not happy that they left Montreal. I'm not against the Cubs. In fact, I think it would be really cool to visit Wrigley field one day and see a game.

It's a great day for the state of Alabama. It's another great day for the SEC. The "Process" is in place, and it will produce great things for years to come. For most people, college football is an interesting passtime; but for TIDE fans, it's a way of life.

I don't understand this. A way of life?

I mean, football season is only a few months a year.

Does this affect how you eat, sleep, and live?

Orthodoxy is a way of life.

Football is a past time.

Logged

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jer 29:11

It's a great day for the state of Alabama. It's another great day for the SEC. The "Process" is in place, and it will produce great things for years to come. For most people, college football is an interesting passtime; but for TIDE fans, it's a way of life.

I don't understand this. A way of life?

I mean, football season is only a few months a year.

Does this affect how you eat, sleep, and live?

Orthodoxy is a way of life.

Football is a past time.

BAMA football is a way of life. Orthodoxy is the way of life.

Selam

« Last Edit: January 08, 2010, 04:37:11 PM by Gebre Menfes Kidus »

Logged

"God is a consuming fire. And His fire is love."+ Gebre Menfes Kidus +

Although it is true that the football season is only a few months each season, nevertheless football is probably the single sport in America which is covered year round by sports channels and fans. For example, the NFL pre-season begins in August, the season in September, the play-offs in January, the Super Bowl completes the NFL season in Feburary, then build-up to the draft in April (which for fans of bad teams, like myself, can be the most exciting time of the year), various OTAs and trainings camps from May to August and then it all starts over again. Football (both college and professional) is, in my opinion, the only sport in the world where the off-season is just as interesting to follow as the season (probably due to the importance of each game during the season and post season; every game counts).

Reminds me of a joke: There are two religions in Texas: Football, and Spring Football.

(Amish accent) Yah, and only Texans that hath a child, givest thou name Colt McCoy, as if living in thy Wild Wild West. A Pennsylvanian football family wouldst givest a Biblical name like Samuel Howitzer Hochstetler.

Although it is true that the football season is only a few months each season, nevertheless football is probably the single sport in America which is covered year round by sports channels and fans. For example, the NFL pre-season begins in August, the season in September, the play-offs in January, the Super Bowl completes the NFL season in Feburary, then build-up to the draft in April (which for fans of bad teams, like myself, can be the most exciting time of the year), various OTAs and trainings camps from May to August and then it all starts over again. Football (both college and professional) is, in my opinion, the only sport in the world where the off-season is just as interesting to follow as the season (probably due to the importance of each game during the season and post season; every game counts).

Dear Coptic Orthodox Boy,

Although I may be a female that does not mean I am an idiot.

Believe it or not, I do watch SportsCenter. I do watch football. My sister and I can give you the hand signal and the penalty yardage for just about every penalty there is.

Just because Daddy had two daughters doesn't mean he raised two dummies.

You assume that I do not follow football. You are wrong. Very wrong as a matter of fact.

My father was very diligent in raising my sister and I in two sacred Sunday traditions: going to the Orthodox Church to worship the Lord our God and watching the game afterwards.

This still does not explain to me how football is a lifestyle.

Logged

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jer 29:11

Although it is true that the football season is only a few months each season, nevertheless football is probably the single sport in America which is covered year round by sports channels and fans. For example, the NFL pre-season begins in August, the season in September, the play-offs in January, the Super Bowl completes the NFL season in Feburary, then build-up to the draft in April (which for fans of bad teams, like myself, can be the most exciting time of the year), various OTAs and trainings camps from May to August and then it all starts over again. Football (both college and professional) is, in my opinion, the only sport in the world where the off-season is just as interesting to follow as the season (probably due to the importance of each game during the season and post season; every game counts).

Dear Coptic Orthodox Boy,

Although I may be a female that does not mean I am an idiot.

Believe it or not, I do watch SportsCenter. I do watch football. My sister and I can give you the hand signal and the penalty yardage for just about every penalty there is.

Just because Daddy had two daughters doesn't mean he raised two dummies.

You assume that I do not follow football. You are wrong. Very wrong as a matter of fact.

My father was very diligent in raising my sister and I in two sacred Sunday traditions: going to the Orthodox Church to worship the Lord our God and watching the game afterwards.

This still does not explain to me how football is a lifestyle.

Handmaiden:

Like many things, sports can become a form of idolatry. I perhaps love my Crimson Tide too much. I have gotten better over the years, but I still allow BAMA's success or failure to effect my emotions way too deeply. I think many if not most SEC fans experience the same thing.

But I'll try to explain what I meant when I said that football is a "way of life" for Alabama fans. The great history and tradition of BAMA football is built on certain values that transcend the playing field, such as:

These values have been corporately embraced by the people of Alabama for decades (and by the South in general). The legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant built his football programs on the basic values that he learned as a dirt poor southern boy from Morrow Bottom, Arkansas. His teams played with the same grit and determination that poor people in Alabama had to rely on in their day to day lives in order to survive. So, Alabama football represents certain principles and ethics that are inherently ingrained in their culture. To use an Orthodox metaphor, BAMA football is an "icon" of cultural values that Alabamians have held dear for decades and decades. So when a coach like Nick Saban comes in and leads us to the pinnacle of succes by establishing his football program on these same blue collar values, then we feel in a sense that our "way of life" (i.e. our cultural values) is validated. And you have to realize that Alabama has been ridiculed and mocked by the media elite for as long as I can remember. So, to win the National Championship in this modern era is proof that hard work, good values, and strong tradition always formulate a recipe for success.

Oh well, sorry for the tangent there. Like I said, I probably love Alabama football too much.

Selam

« Last Edit: January 09, 2010, 01:31:50 AM by Gebre Menfes Kidus »

Logged

"God is a consuming fire. And His fire is love."+ Gebre Menfes Kidus +

Listen, for some reason people think I am attacking them in this thread (you and Gebre). If I place a winking smily face within my post, I am being playful. I knew you were a Jets fan for a number of months now, and I have two sisters who know more about the NFL than myself (which makes it strange that they cheer for those Bears) so I know women can be informed about football just as much as men.I'm not a pretencious jerk trying to make anyone feel stupid.